He said: "Our thoughts are with his family at this time. We are deeply saddened to lose a member of staff in this way. We want to make sure that his family are looked after and supported in every way."

The Health and Safety Executive is investigating the accident, at 10am yesterday, which is classed as a death at work.

Police are also running their own investigation, with a team at the scene all day.

ACC Thompson added: "The investigation is on-going. PCSOs are a very new, a very important and a very welcome part of policing. We encourage patrolling our officers on pedal cycles."

It is understood that the lorry - carrying waste - was turning left onto Leigh Road at the time of the accident.

Witnesses reported that the officer was dragged under the lorry.

It is understood that he suffered head injuries.

Florist Angie Mercer said many lorries use the road each day. She said: "Somebody was pipping their horn a lot. You could tell something bad had happened.

"I heard the aftermath of it and people were frantic. The policeman was at the rear of the lorry about 5ft away from it. He was not moving. He was in uniform and wearing a helmet. It is a very busy junction and this was an accident waiting to happen."

Atherton Road was closed from its junction with Leigh Road to Corner Lane as investigations began. Thomas Street was also closed.